Aftercare
Tegaderm / Second Skin Bandage:
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Tagaderm is a breathable but waterproof and bacteria proof bandage. You can shower with the dressing on but do not submerge in water.
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Leave dressing on for a minimum of two to three days, if possible and a maximum of four to five days.
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The dressing may fill with fluid (a mixture of ink, plasma and blood), this is normal and aids in the healing process. There is no need to drain the fluid.
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If the dressing becomes uncomfortable or causes itching or pain in the skin, remove immediately and clean thoroughly, this may be an allergic reaction.
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If the dressing is about to start leaking, you can add more of the film to prevent leaking.
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If the dressing leaks, remove immediately in case of contamination.
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To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid. When you stretch the bandage it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and taking any ink with it.
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Wash the tattoo with warm water to remove any residue.
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Some clients with extremely sensitive skin may experience some minor irritation around edge of tattoo, if this is experienced please remove bandage as soon as possible and follow below instructions. Contact justpeachytattoos@gmail.com if this occurs.
At this point, your tattoo should be well into the healing process. You may use an unscented non-greasy lotion (like Lubriderm, Aveeno or preferably Cicaplast Gel B5 – see below). Lotion can be applied once or twice per day. You may still experience some flaking, and it’s normal to see colour in the flakes that come off. Do not pick, but allow them to come off naturally.
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Standard Bandage:
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Leave bandage on overnight.
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Wash your hands well with soap before touching your new tattoo.
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After the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo with warm water. Remove all existing vaseline, plasma/excess ink with your fingertips gently. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo.
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Rinse and pat dry with a disposable paper towel or let air dry.
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Wash tattoo twice a day (morning and night) over the first 48 after the bandage has been removed. Do not over-wash. Regular showering is fine. Do not submerge the tattoo for an extended amount of time until it has healed – this includes baths and swimming.
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Over the next few days the tattoo will become flaky, dry, and tight. Use a fragrance-free, non-greasy lotion 1-2 times a day sparingly. Rub lotion in until it is fully absorbed into your skin.
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Do not over-moisturize. If a scab forms, it will be the color of the ink used. This does not mean the ink is going to fall out. Leave the scabs and let them fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch the area. The tattoo may appear dull until it has completely healed – this is normal and will go away after a few weeks. Wear loose fitting clothing over the area.
Do Not!
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Do not use anything on the tattoo other than what is previously recommended.
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Do not pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo.
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Do not under any circumstance use rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or cortisone on your new tattoo.
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Do not use washcloths or anything abrasive while cleaning your tattoo. They harbor bacteria and may irritate or harm your tattoo.
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Do not let anyone touch your new tattoo.
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Do not go in a lake, tub, pool, etc. These all contain bacteria.
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Do not expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. This includes tanning beds. A high SPF sunscreen will protect the crispness/longevity of your tattoo in the future.
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Remember to keep your tattoo out of the sun for the first few weeks of healing. When the tattoo is completely healed apply a good SPF sunscreen on the tattoo to prevent fading.
Recommended lotion:
I highly recommend Cicaplast Gel b5 for the healing process,
at least until all the flakes fall off. You can get this at
Shoppers Drug Mart in the cosmetic section.
Please note however, there is a Cicaplast Balm as well,
but it is much thicker, and not as nice as the Gel,
so please keep that in mind when purchasing if you decide to.
Enjoy your new tattoo! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch!
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[aftercare page courtesy of Karen Awesom and http://karenawesom.com/aftercare/]
